Young talent from Burgen­land

The newly founded in summer Burgenland Provincial Ice Hockey Association (BEHV) set itself clear objectives upon its foundation. Ice hockey in Burgenland is to become more popular again and be placed on a broader structural footing. The main focus will be on youth hockey in order to create a sustainable foundation.

The BEHV has now made its first sporting appearance. The Burgenland youth select team gained its first match experience on 26 October. The U14 age group travelled to Styria on National Day to make a little Burgenland sporting history. For the first time, a Burgenland youth select team played an ice hockey game.

In the first round of matches, they faced the Styrian youth teams Teichpiraten St. Peter, the Bulls from Weiz and hosts Panthers Frohnleiten. The ice hockey club from Frohnleiten proved to be excellent hosts. All Covid-19 requirements were planned and implemented exemplary, and adhered to by all youth teams!

The BEHV select team suffered three defeats, but was able to keep pace with the Styrian sides at times. Given that it was the very first official ice hockey match for most of the children, they exceeded expectations. After all, the clubs from Weiz and Frohnleiten have years, or even decades, of experience in youth ice hockey.

The fact that the Burgenland youth players were only able to complete a single training session on the ice (in Styria) before the first matchday highlights the current problem of lacking ice hockey infrastructure in Burgenland.

In addition to the U14 BEHV select team, the U11 and U17 age groups will also join the Styrian youth league. Their first matchdays are scheduled for the end of November. The aim is also to begin playing in the U8 and U10 age groups. Tournaments and friendly matches are to be planned for the first season. The current youth squad comprises around 60 children and young people.